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Senate committee advances bill to penalize unlicensed vendors who take deposits and fail to perform
Summary
CS for SB 854 was reported favorably. The bill targets unscrupulous unlicensed vendors who take deposits and do not perform, setting timing requirements and penalties that supporters say give prosecutors tools to pursue repeat offenders.
The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee voted to report favorably on CS for SB 854, a consumer‑protection bill intended to deter unscrupulous vendors who solicit work at residences, take deposits and fail to perform.
Sponsor Senator Angolia said the proposal requires unlicensed vendors to perform or begin performance in good faith within 30 days of payment; failure to do so would require return of funds or completion of promised services and would expose repeat offenders to fines and penalties. Angolia said the state's attorneys and law‑enforcement partners helped craft the proposal to create enforcement “teeth” against repeat bad actors.
Witnesses from trade groups—including the Florida Swimming Pool Association and AARP—filed appearance forms in support. The sponsor said the bill targets repeat scammers who solicit multiple deposits; it is not intended to punish small or struggling businesses that fail because of poor management.
Committee members adopted the bill and reported it favorably.
